The Rural Voice, 1980-06, Page 7Farm Improvement
BY NANCY PENFOUND,
RR#1, AUBURN
As I look across our large farm,
I see the things that could cause harm,
But through our parents' tender care,
We learned the ways to take great care.
Keep away from the P.T.O.
Or you may be walking quite slow,
Loose clothing must not be worn here
Or it may just catch on a gear.
When some chemicals must be spread,
A gas mask will soon save your head,
When chemicals you are spreading,
They may be quite fumigating.
Only one may ride a machine,
The result of this is quite mean,
So that small kids can't think it's neat,
Keep them off the tractor seat.
Many children can't see much harm,
Although they may just loose an arm,
When out working with animals
Take extreme care inside the stalls.
These are just a very few points
To which our parents always point,
Now just remember all the harms,
Of letting children play on farms.
421 -5. Au*
NANCY CARMICHAEL, 11
BROOKSIDE SCHOOL
Letter to a City Dweller
LORI ANNE JAMIESON, 17
RR 2, LUCKNOW
Dear City Dweller:
1 have just returned home from a day in
your fair city. It was a lovely day, warm an
sunny. My family and I found many great
bargains among the shops and stores.
bought some fabric that you just can't find
here in the country. We had supper at a
lovely, slightly fancy restaurant and really
felt like top crust folks. All in all, it was a
super day for everyone and we were pleased
with our venture into the city.
The city has sort of a fascination for mc. I
like the hustle and bustle of people always
moving. I like the big stores and bright
signs. You can really become involved in
the pace of a city. It has a heartbeat all its
own. It's certainly nice to visit hut. as the
saying goes. I wouldn't want to lig c there.
You see, t id a county person. My
ancestors were country people. My great -
great grandfather bought the land that I
call home in 1884. Since then, five
generations of my family have lived and
laughed and worked on this land. It's been
good to us. It's pretty good land. But it has
extracted its toll from each of us. We have
had our share of insects and weeds and wet
spots and stony knolls. Some of these
things we have conquered and some we
haven't. The challenge is in the trying and
it's a challenge that has kept us here for
almost one hundred years.
There are some memories of country
living that will stay with me forever;
chasing gypsy cattle early Sunday_
morning, water fights, baseball in the front
field, hockey on the pond. the smell .A new
hay at twilight and the feel of gravel under
my sneakers as I walk down the lane to get
the mail.
These things have contributed to me as a
person as much as any course 1 have ever
had in school. They are part of me and part
of something I like to call my heritage.
I want to continue my education and
unfortunately, I can't do that here.
However, 1 can go forward into your city
secure in the knowledge that my home is
always here, never to be replaced by a
shopping centre or a super highway.
1 hope that 1 have expressed my thoughts
in words that you can relate tot.
After experiencing your world, 1 felt it only
fair to let you experience mine. For it is
mine. The quiet forest and green pastures
and country roads will always be mine, no
matter who owns them.
Love and Sunshine,
The Country Mouse
THE HUIiAL VOICE/JUNE 1980 PG. 5